Buying that extra seat for your child under 2 is a choice that you must carefully consider. If you choose to book a second seat many airlines are now offering children’s fares, which offer a 50% discount on seats for children under 2.

When traveling on an airplane many parents find that bulkhead seating at the front of each section provides more comfort while traveling with a toddler. These seats have no seating in front of them and allow for more leg room, ability to change the baby, and room to stand or play for the toddler.

Staying inside all day is a bad, bad idea with this age group and will make time slow until it more or less screeches to a halt. On the other hand, too many parents plan outings without regard for the constrained attention span of a toddler.

Toddlers should always fly in their own seat equipped with a travel seat. Some airlines allow children under two to fly for free on the lap of an adult, but this is not the safest option and escalates the challenge of flying with a toddler.

Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in carry-on baggage, but must also be declared. Passengers can take these items through the security check-points and aboard the plane as long as they are traveling with a baby or toddler.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends the use of car seats in an aircraft for children less than 40 pounds. Car seats can usually be checked in at the gate as can be strollers. However it is best to check with your airline regarding their policy, including how they regard extra carry on luggage for your child.

Families who travel by air should consider buying or renting a CARES airplane child harness for their toddlers. Significantly less bulky than a car seat, the CARES (it stands for Child Aviation Restraint System) child harness is easy to pack and unpack from carry on luggage.